Mother’s Day freebies and deals
 May 9th, 2013

Even on a budget, you can treat Mom special. Most moms will agree that getting a good deal is smart. Celebrate your mom with one or more of these Mother’s Day discounts and go on and tell her what a smart shopper you are. She’ll be glad she taught you well!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Discounts, Freebies

Give a free Mother’s Day e-card from Blue Mountain (no trial subscription necessaary).

If you’re getting flowers, get flowers for less with this half-off FTD florist discount.

Does your mom love to read? Or maybe she’s been wanting to take up a new hobby or otherwise expand her knowledge. Well, a Barne’s & Noble Mother’s Day discount can help you treat Mom to a good read. Save 15% with the Barnes & Noble coupon you’ll need to print and take to the store. Some restrictions apply. Coupon good May 9 through May 12 only.

Consider getting mom a relaxing spa package (at deep discounts) for Mother’s Day. Here are a couple:

La Mesa: A Day Spa offers some special treatments and half hour massages. Mother’s Day deals at a Day Spa in La Mesa start at $45. In Solana Beach at About You Day Spa and Salon some special 2-hour Mother’s Day discount packages are available starting at $109.

Purchase a Redbox e-card for Mother’s Day and get a free one-day Redbox dvd rental.

Save 36% on a Ghiradelli chocolate basket for Mom with this discount Ghiradelli chocolate basket deal. It’s from California Delicious.

Want to look through a bunch of deals and specials appropriate for Mother’s Day. Here is the Groupon page of Mother’s Day deals. You can get cookware, photography specials, wines, personal items.

Dining Out Discounts, Freebies

Mom gets a free dessert at Uno’s on Mother’s Day. Let her splurge. Uno Chicago Grille is also offering a free $5 gift card with any $25 in Uno’s gift card purchases, so even if you can’t take her out on Mother’s Day, you could get her a gift card to go with her friends – - and receive a bonus $5 gift card.

Ikea’s free Mother’s Day breakfast is a deal that will take you inside the store where you can get a little something something.

At Mimi’s Cafe, mom’s who come after 4pm to eat dinner will also get a free $10 Mimi’s Cafe gift card to come back another day.

Save 59% on fine dining at The Beach House in Encinitas. How often can Mom go to the beach without having to pack food, water, sunscreen and kids’ toys? Treat her with this phenomenal Beach House restaurant discount.

Things to do Mother’s Day discounts

San Diego Botanic Gardens is free in honor of National Public Gardens Day on May 10. Not quite Mother’s Day, but maybe crowds won’t be so bad — and Mom can choose to do as she pleases on the actual holiday for once. Get free admission to San Diego Botanic Garden.

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San Diego Daily Deals and Discounts
 April 29th, 2013

San Diegans who watch TV surely didn’t miss one of my favorite television commercials? Love the waiter twisting with plates in the air in a near miss with another server. Yeah, you know the one. . . . Well, guess what? That San Diego family restaurant favorite is just one of the great San Diego deals you’ll find below. Read on. You’ll find several that are “best of 2012″ repeat deals — so you know they’re good San Diego discounts.

Over 100 different sandwich varieties, breakfast served all day, and lots of fresh baked goods all at a half off price with this D.Z. Akins half off special. D.Z. Akins College East area location is close to the hospital so good for people visiting there and tired of hospital food. Plus, it’s freeway close with old world deli meats and old fashioned serving sizes. Limited time only and limited quantities available so get your D.Z. Akins deal while you can.

Are you liking some Super Trucks? Bet you’ll like seeing these beasty big-wheels in action … especially at half off the regular ticket price. May 4 or May 18 (Saturdays), you can get in for $11 to see the Super Trucks at Qualcomm. Three seating options available. Check out this special discount Super Trucks tickets deal.

Want to be up on your feet for a special event? Well, consider making your own event happen at Surf Bowl in Oceanside. Right now, two, four or six people can get discounted package deals (food, drinks. . . .) starting at just $25. Whether you haven’t bowled in a long time or do so regularly, it’s fun to get a bargain for something that’s so fun to do. Find out the details about this Surf Bowl discount package.

Looking for the taste of something exotic? Then try Ali Baba for it’s Mediterranean flavor. Up to half off, with two discount deal options available. As always with these fabu deals, they’re on for a limited time, so be sure to check it out quickly. Details about Ali Baba food discounts are a click away.

Here are several more half off restaurant deals you may want to take advantage of too:

Sushi Yama discount

Sport Sushi

Kebab Shop

Cafe Merlot – which is located at Bernardo Winery (sounds convenient) so you can go for a little wine tasting after, or even before!

You might also find these articles helpful:

Spend less with 8 proven tips

Popcorn: back to basics dollar saver

5 ways to get organized and save money

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San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites listed here. They show gratitude for my referrals in the form a small fee. This allows San Diego on the Cheap to keep bringing you the deals!

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Free gardening books
 April 26th, 2013

Don’t waste a bunch of money in your garden. Do a bit of learning about what will grow for you, how to get plants to thrive, and how to get the best harvest. Oh … and the learning can be free too with these free gardening books. I’ve gathered a few good Kindle gardening books. Herb gardening, vegetable gardening, tomato gardening, container gardening, etc.

At the time of this posting, the books were free. Sometimes, the free Kindle book selections are free for a limited time, so get them while you can. At the bottom, you’ll also find a link to past posts about free Kindle books. Check because sometimes they remain as free books for quite some time. Happy gardening and happy reading.

Free Gardening Books


Purchase these LivingSocial deals!

Links to past free books (some really good ones in here):

Medicine Men: Extreme Appalachian Doctoring

Adventures of Tempest & Serena

Pledge of Silence

Spirit Horses

Additional free San Diego gardening resources:

Free San Diego Gardening resources

San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites/ads shared here.

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Staples coupons and discounts
 April 26th, 2013

Staples Coupons

How about getting free paper (ream)? Sounds like cheap paper, doesn’t it? Well, that’s just one of the good Staples coupons good now through April 27, 2013. For a larger quantity of paper, you can also get the $25 off Staples coupon that is featured just now.

Ink, toner, supplies for the upcoming school year. Most of us need this stuff, too. Staples coupons are hosted here at San Diego on the Cheap regularly because to save money on office supplies is smart. Check out all sorts of deals at Staples while you’re at the site printing out your Staples coupons.

With a printed out Staples coupon, receive savings at Staples.

Save up to 70% on Inkjet and Toner Supplies!

San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites/ads shared here.

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Bank of America’s “Museums on Us” Program
 April 3rd, 2013

Wow. Who knew a Bank of America (or Merrill Lynch) debit card would get you free admission to some great places the first full weekend of every month? This must be one of the best kept secrets of the banking world.

No worries, San Diego on the Cheap has found another terrific way for you to do and see San Diego for free. If you’re tired of high priced banking fees, at least get your money’s worth by using the perks for a little fun and culture. Use your card, and here in San Diego, you can get into Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the San Diego Museum of Art. Free entry when you show your card the first full weekend of the month.

Check out Bank of America’s Museums on Us program.

In 2013, the free museum days are:


  • January 5-6
  • February 2-3
  • March 2-3
  • April 6-7
  • May 4-5
  • June 2-3
  • July 6-7
  • August 3-4
  • September 7-8
  • October 5-6
  • November 2-3
  • December 7-8

If you are looking for more free museum days, check out the free museum days at Balboa Park when you can get into specific museums free on specific days. San Diego also has other free museum events throughout the year, so be sure to put your email address into the box and get deals and information on enjoying San Diego for free or cheap in your email box a few days a week.

Walgreens senior discount Monday
 April 2nd, 2013

Wednesday, April 3 enjoy a senior discount at Walgreens.

Seniors who are Balance Rewards members score a 2senior discount at Walgreens0% discount of any Walgreens brand product plus 15% off other items.

Some restrictions may apply. In the past, exclusions included prescription medications, dairy products, alcohol, gift cards and phone cards. This time, no exclusions are listed, so check at your local store when you go in on Wednesday April 3 for your senior discount at Walgreens. No coupon required, just bring your Balance Rewards card (or get one–free–on Wednesday) and mention the discount.

Check out the details about this special Walgreens Senior Discount Day.

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Restaurant coupons
 March 22nd, 2013

Here are some food and drink deals at a variety of restaurants, so check out the restaurant coupons, and see if any of them fit your schedule. I’ve included the expiration date with the listing as much as possible. You know you like to get food on the run, sit down for a nice meal in a good atmosphere, or just eat out when you can –on the cheap. Look below for current restaurant coupons.

Black Angus is one of those special occasion restaurants for my family. We don’t have one close, but we do take a special trip when visiting a few relatives that live close to a Black Angus, and we always enjoy it. Now, Black Angus is offering a $7.99 lunch entree that is available through April 15, 2013. Just purchase a beverage and present your Black Angus coupon for your $7.99 lunch (not valid for High Noon combos). The coupon can be used for up to 6 people.

Burger King has $1 Lattes through Sunday March 24, as announced on their Facebook page. No coupon needed.

Domino’s Pizza has a half off deal going on through Sunday March 24, 2013. You’ll need to order online and enter the coupon code “50OFF” in the coupon field at check out. Why not order ahead online and get the half off Domino’s deal.

Quiznos has a coupon good for a free drink and chips (with purchase) that’s valid through March 26, 2013. Get the Quizno’s coupon.

Souplantation offers several endless lunch/dinner deals with printed Souplantation coupons you bring to the restaurant. Valid through March 29, 2013.

This Subway coupon will get you a free cookie if you buy a foot long sandwich. You’ll need to print this Subway coupon and take it in. Valid through March 24, 2013.

Weinerschnitzel is celebrating National Hot Dog Day this Sunday March 24, 2013 with a BOGO deal. Buy one corn dog and get a second free. Check out this Weinerschnitzel BOGO deal plus some others.

Check back for more coupons soon.

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Free Slim Jim for the troops
 March 20th, 2013

Sometimes it’s just nice to say “thank you.” Well, actually, saying “thank you” is always nice. Now, you can express a little thanks to the U.S. Troops – - and send them a Slim Jim jerky treat  for free.

All you have to do is go to Slim Jim’s Tribute to the Troops page, and hot a quick note of thanks in the space provided. Along with your note, a Slim Jim will go the U.S. Troops. The company is aiming for one million Slim Jims and thank yous to the troops. Maybe you can be one of the crowd offering a nice thank you note with a gift for free.

Here’s the Slim Jim Tribute to the Troops page.

Send you thank you note and free Slim Jim to the troops by April 1, 2013.

Free events this weekend: San Diego
 March 16th, 2013

Looking for fun stuff to do this weekend? Well, start your spring season off with some free events in and around San Diego.

ALL SORTS OF SAN DIEGO LOCAL DISCOUNTS ON THIS PAGE

I’m skipping Saturday this time around, but here’s some Sunday March 17 events.

At the Mission Valley Resort, you can get in free to the New Earth Expo March 17, 2013 if you sign up for their newsletter. Here is more information about the New Earth Expo event.  If you want to skip the ticket fee, get three free passes instantly when you sign up for email and confirm your subscription through the link they send. Do that here

You could go hiking then sit in on a free concert at Mission Trails Regional Park. There’s a free concert every third Sunday, and this time it’s the San Diego Clarinet Quartet. Find out more about the free San Diego concert here. In my book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Diego, there are a few jaunts from Mission Trails Regional Park so you could pick up a copy and be ready to get hiking early then later get your feet tapping to free music.

UC San Diego offers a free bus tour of the campus for community members who may have always been curious about UCSD but have never gotten the opportunity to explore it. Third Sunday of each month is a bus tour, but there are other free tours too, focusing on the architecture and everything that is UC San Diego that the public might be interested to know. Different tours are scheduled at different times per month, and are different than tours for prospective students. Find out more about this Sunday’s tour, and the other tours that repeat each month by visiting this UCSD news page.

The weather has been so lovely you might want to take a scenic drive up to historic Julian. Every Sunday as long as the weather’s good, you can see  Julian Doves & Desperados – historic comedy skits at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.  The skits take place on a stage in town. Find out  more info…

That will get you started.

Do you have a free event you’d like listed? Please let me know, and although I can’t guarantee your event will be listed, I’ll do my best to include as many as I can. Please include as much information as possible, including a link (this helps me save time in posting and you’re more likely to be included).

Use coupon #G5666 for 3 free Peacock Orchid Bulbs!

San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites listed here. They show gratitude for my referrals in the form a small fee. This allows San Diego on the Cheap to keep bringing you the deals!

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Free historical fiction book
 March 15th, 2013

Free today is the e version of Flora Soloman’s historical fiction book about the experience of World War II nurses.

In Pledge of Silence set in 1941, the Army Nurse Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves calls Margie Bauer to active duty. Once dispatched the Sternberg Hospital in Manila, Philippines—the Pearl of the Orient, Margie falls for the island beauty with its carefree lifestyle — and handsome young doctors. Then on December 8, 1941, Japanese bombers roar into the Philippines, turning everything in their path to smoldering piles of rubble. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens during this three-year epic saga. A PLEDGE OF SILENCE is a historical novel based on the experiences of the nurses who valiantly served in the Philippines during World War II and became the first U.S. military women to be taken prisoners-of-war by a foreign enemy.

San Diego on the Cheap has recently told you about other free Kindle downloads. Typically, the free Kindle offerings are for a limited time. These may still be free (and were at the time of this writing), so check them out:

Spirit Horses

The Forever Stone

Buying Back the USA

The Adventures of Tempest and Serena (children’s book)


Free San Diego Gardening Resources
 March 15th, 2013

blooming cactusby San Diego on the Cheap Editor/Publisher Sheri McGregor

Relieving stress and getting a little exercise top the list of ways to promote better health. In finishing my Masters in Human Behavior in 2012, I had the privilege of conducting a small study on people who garden. My most significant finding was that lifelong gardeners are very happy. No big surprise, really. Many of us in San Diego have gardened straight through winter rains, pruning while plants were dormant or producing winter vegetables like the leafy Bok Choy I sautée in olive oil with poppy seeds. Others are just now getting the gardening bug with San Diego’s blue spring skies. Our optimal spring weather provides the perfect opportunity to combine stress-relief and exercise. You can call your gardening by the official psychological term, “horticulture therapy,” or simply enjoy yourself. Either way, it’s well-known that creating a natural space can support your well-being.

Here are some free San Diego gardening tools to get your green thumb going:

* How about learning how to use less water while enjoying your garden? The San Diego County Water Authority has the free Homeowner’s Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape, available as an online flip book or a downloadable pdf.

* You might also enjoy this free California-friendly Gardening for San Diego County online resource.

* Drought tolerant plants are must in the San Diego area. That doesn’t mean skimping on looks in your yard. Offered by San Diego’s The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College, free garden tours led by docents plus many drought-tolerant gardening events where you can learn how to use less water in your garden. You can also visit and learn on your own about water conservation gardening in San Diego daily 9am to 4pm – - it’s free.

* Home Depots around the county are offering free classes on water saving gardening, too. Classes are still available March 23 and April 20 so check the full schedule to attend.

* Learn more about growing tomatoes at these free tomato growing events at Grangetto’s locations (March 27 in Fallbrook, April 3 in Encinitas). Grangetto’s has container gardening and other events too. You might want to join Grangetto’s garden club while you’re looking at their website as well … you’ll get a 10% coupon plus lots of gardening information.

Do you know of other free San Diego gardening events or resources? Please let me know (you can contact me or open the comment window below).

Hot Gardening Deals

Other gardening articles you might enjoy:

Winter sowing


Check the great prices at DirectGardening.com

San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites listed here. They show gratitude for my referrals in the form a small fee. This allows San Diego on the Cheap to keep bringing you the deals! Add your email address to subscribe to the RSS feed on the right. AND, Like San Diego on the Cheap on Facebook.

Save Money on Makeup
 March 13th, 2013

Makeup Moula: Time for a new face?

by San Diego on the Cheap Publisher/Editor, Sheri McGregor

With each new season, makeup companies put out new color palettes. Exotic, larger-than-life faces beam from cosmetic department posters. Magazines tell us what’s in with celebrities, and give the low down on “must-have” new colors and styles. But wait! Before you’re sucked into believing you need to makeover your makeup bag, consider your history, your budget, and your real life rather than the fantasy you’re being sold. Then make sensible choices to save moula on makeup.

Makeup Routine
save money on makeupMost women eventually settle into a makeup routine, a few products that work for them, and give up the rest. Most of us also have a drawer full of expensive failures. If you’ve discovered a few products that work, why try more? Likely, you’re falling into the trap of believing your makeup has to change with the times. Does it really? Sure, white lipstick might date you, but for the most part, subtle makeup techniques and colors that enhance your natural features are timeless. Why change? Don’t keep filling the drawer with unused makeup. Learn from your lessons, and stick with what works. Bucking trends may save money, too. Stores often clearance your tried and true to make more shelf room for the latest and greatest.

Right of Return
Most stores allow makeup returns but how many of us really take cosmetics back? We feel guilty, or silly for making a poor choice. While we don’t want to pack the landfills with unused makeup, sometimes we make a mistake. In that case, take advantage of stores’ return policies. Bottom line: the store made the rules, you didn’t. Exercise your right of return. It’s a smart choice for your budget.

Second Opinion
Bring a friend you trust to tell the truth. You may be dead set on the newest makeup fad but a trusted friend can set you straight: “You’re pale as a corpse against that blood red,” or “Sure . . . if you want your lips to look like gummy worms.

Another good reason to bring a buddy is to take advantage of sales. Discount drugstores routinely have buy one get one half off sales. You each get a product then split the discounted cost rather than buy an extra (and spend more).

Make a Friend
Do your favorite cosmetic companies have a Facebook page? “Like” them to learn about discounts, coupons, and special offers. Company websites may also have coupons. Consider following makeup blogging sites as well. Bloggers sometimes have insider information about deals before the general public. Blogs may have giveaways for free products, too.

Accept Yourself
The more makeup you wear, the more you’ll need to buy. That means the more you spend. Breaking the foundation, mascara, blush or lipstick habit can be liberating. Try going without some or all of your makeup for a few days and see what happens. You may discover that curling your eyelashes makes them stand out enough, and an eyelash curler lasts. Do you really need foundation? Many of us are brainwashed into thinking our skin must be “flawless.” A sprinkling of freckles you’ve been trying to hide may really be part of your charm. Sometimes our so-called flaws are what make us unique and beautiful.

The more we accept ourselves, flaws and all, the more forgiving we may become of others. Who knew cutting down on makeup could make a more peaceful and loving world?

Is it time for a new face? Try looking at yourself with liberated eyes. Rather than focusing on what you don’t like, play up what you do. You may find that the new face you thought you needed is the real you.


San Diego on the Cheap is an affiliate partner to some sites listed here. They show gratitude for my referrals in the form a small fee. This allows San Diego on the Cheap to keep bringing you the deals!

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Winter Sow: gardening
 March 11th, 2013

For gardeners, spring fever usually arrives in winter with the seed catalogs full of pages bursting with color.  Why wait till spring to get your garden going? Winter sowing is a frugal gardening method that saves time and money. Plus, the containers are out of doors so there’s no clutter inside. Here’s how you can get started owinter sow in zone 9n your garden early without the cost of expensive lights, heated seed-starting mats, and special pots. You’ll also have stronger seedlings.

Winter sowing is just what it says: sowing seeds in winter, so you’ll want to begin when the nights are still cold. Frost, rain, or snow can all be present.

Choose seeds for plants that can be sown in early fall, or from plants that reseed themselves, but be aware of growing patterns. You’ll want to start tomatoes or tropical plants a bit later than cabbage, for instance.

You’ll need plastic containers that you would normally put in the recycle bin. My favorites are gallon juice and water bottles that have the plastic holder tab hanging at the necwinter sowingk (see photo), but you can also use smaller containers with lids like mayonnaise jars, or clamshell containers like the ones used for berries or grape tomatoes.

You’ll also need a small knife or a drill with a narrow bit, scissors or snippers, utility tape, a permanent marker to label what you’ve planted, potting soil, and your seeds.

When you’re ready, cut almost all the way around your plastic containers to form pots that are several inches deep. The top part you leave attached will work as a cover. Then cut or drill holes in the sides and bottoms so water will drain out. Use potting soil to fill the formed pots. If you’re using clamshell containers, you won’t need to cut, and the bottom works as the pot.winter sow

Now, you’ll want to completely saturate the soil with water. Add water till the soil holds it then add more. Wait ten or fifteen minutes till excess water leaks out the holes then you’re ready to plant your seeds. Press them in to the desired depth and dribble a little water over the top.

Use tape to secure the lid or container top you’ve left attached.

Place the containers in a shady area, check them now and again, and you’re done.

In my zone 9 inland San Diego County garden, I do spray a bit of water over these when the weather hits those warm spells typical of the region, otherwise they would overheat and die. In cooler climates, snow and rain provide enough moisture. Depending on what seeds you plant, you can expect San Diego winter sow garden zone 9to see sprouts in a week or two. My Shasta Daisies came up within a week during a warm spell. Four O’Clocks took another week, and my tomato sprouts have yet to appear.

Once real leaves appear, you can begin pushing back the tops and moving to a sunny spot for a few hours a day if you want to. This helps strengthen the plants for temperature variations and wind they may encounter in the garden, so they’ll transplant better. When they’re a few inches high, feel free to transplant as long as the danger of frost is past. In Zone 9, I’ll move mine to the garden before the end of March. In other areas in San Diego County gardens where the weather is milder, you can transplant earlier.   Colder zones around the U.S. will wait till May.

By using seeds you save money. By winter sowing with its carefree fix-and-forget garden methodology, you’ll save time and energy too.

Want some free seeds? You can get them here.

Free gift with every purchase!

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